Abusive Father To Appeal 119 Year Sentence

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) - The attorney of a Colorado Springs man sentenced to 119 1/2 years in prison for abusing his adopted son said his client is "indigent" and has asked for a public defender to lead the appeal.

The Gazette reported 41-year-old Jeremiah Lovato showed little emotion Monday as a district judge described the abuse as "extraordinary."

Prosecutors said Lovato beat his adopted son with a meat tenderizer, strangled him, and stomped on his testicles when the teen tried to deflect the abuse.

The 16-year-old said he'd like to see his adoptive father "locked away for a long time."

The teen is currently living with a foster family. Authorities say the beatings were revealed when he jumped a fence in January 2010 and ran to a neighbor for help rather than face more abuse.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)